Agios Dimitrios Biggest Chruch in Thessaloniki Greece
Agios Dimitrios is the most important church of Thessaloniki and biggest Byzantine church of Greece. We were there on 26th Dec morning and being the day after Christmas there was a good crowd, prayers were on and we stood listening to hymns for some time. The stories about this church and the tons of history associated with it urged us make the visit.
Agios Dimitrios Biggest Chruch in Thessaloniki
Saint Dimitrios of Thessaloniki
The church is dedicated to Saint Dimitrios who was tortured and put to death for his disgust to idolatry. During 3rd century AD when idolatry practices were still being followed, he secretly got himself baptized.
Dimitrios was the son of a wealthy military commander, the story goes like this… when his father died the king ordered him to chase Christians of Thessaloniki and kill them. Agios Dimitrios refused to follow the orders, so he was jailed and tortured to change his beliefs. Dimitrios was martyred by Galerius, yes the same Galerius whose arch still stands tall in Thessaloniki.
Before Dimitrios died in their hands he distributed all his wealth to the poor and needy. His sacrifice made him a saint!
Agios Dimitrios Biggest Chruch in Thessaloniki
In 324AD the emperor Constantine the Great ended the prosecution of the Christians and made Christianity the official religion of Byzantine Empire. A small church was built on the place of the martyrdom of Agios Dimitrios. Pilgrims believe His grave to be miraculous.
The crypt of the saint can be accessed by a staircase behind the sanctuary. It is believed to be the same site where the saint was killed by the Roman soldiers and buried. This was converted into museum in 1988. You can visit the museum here. Do plan ahead. (The crypt opens at 10.30AM.)
During 629-634AD the church was rebuilt as five-aisled basilica, the same form has continued till today.
History of Agios Dimitrios Church
More history: In 1493, during the Turkish occupation, the church was converted into a mosque. During the period of Ottoman rule the crypt got filled up with earth and forgotten. In 1912, after the city was liberated, it became a Christian church again.
Unfortunately in 1917, the church was destroyed by a fire and rebuilt according to the original plans. The crypt was rediscovered after this fire of 1917. The church started to function again in 1949.
Below are some of the pictures of the interiors of the church of Agios Dimitrios that I could manage to take without causing any disturbance.
Tips to Visit Agios Dimitrios Church
- Photography is allowed, but please be mindful of the worshipers. Many are orthodox pilgrims.
- Visit the underground area that has remains and rare mosaics from past. There are stairs beneath the altar to reach the ruins.
- Finding a parking spot nearby will be difficult.
- There are many beggars outside but not the pestering kind.
Portrait of Saint Dimitrios in Thessaloniki church
Opening Hours of Church of St. Dimitrios
Monday: 12.30 – 19.00hrs
Tuesday-Thursday & Saturday: 8.00 – 20:00hrs
Friday: 08.00 – 23.00hrs
Sunday: 10:30 – 20:00hrs
Nearby Sights from Saint Demetrios Church
Hagia Sophia of Thessaloniki is at a distance of 850m, 11min walking distance.
White Tower of Thessaloniki – walking distance of 1.6km in roughly 22minutes.
The church looks beautiful and neatly preserved! Seems many church in Greece has been mosque for sometime… Interesting facts on history
Another very very interesting post with gorgeous images. The church is beautiful!
Beautiful pictures, Indrani!
World is full of different kinds of people, some are kind some aren't… History teaches a lot, isn't it?
The other thing that drew my attention is, of course, costume! It seems that the statues reveal tunic that is worn over chitons… May be it is the transition period in terms of costumes. Very interesting!
Thank you so much for this wonderful post 🙂 TC! Keep smiling 🙂
Its architecture is lovely and the stonework is very interesting. Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos and history.
Beautiful pictures. The architecture is simply amazing and history of the church is intriguing! Nice post Indrani.
Nice post, Indrani. Loved those works.
Brilliant church.
All your photos make me want to go back to Greece – I was very young when I was there.
Amazing structure!!
Interesting narrative and shots of the Church. So many beautiful details.
Wow! it looks gorgeous and majestic!
That's a 'different' looking church from the outside and isn't it grand inside!
And there's a lot of history.
Quite an interesting story and some nice photographs of the interiors
Wow… Amazing structure!
Hello Indrani, what a beautiful church. It has an interesting history, I am glad it was rebuilt.. Your photos are fantastic, thanks for sharing your visit.. Have a happy day and week ahead!
Beautiful photos……love the colours!
What a fascinating history and it stands even after so many twists and turns!
This is a beautiful posting. Great text, well written and the pictures of the Church are amazing. The artwork in there is incredible.
Hello Indrani!!
What a great post!!Thank you for sharing the history and your gorgeous pictures from the Saint Dimitrios church!Hope you have a happy week!
Dimi…
What a gorgeous church!
Beautiful narration and outstanding photography.
Splendid pics & fascinating history!
As usual very well written post n equally supported by awesome pics !
Interesting history and a beautiful building! Enjoyed your post very much.
wow! an impressive structure!
Thanks for giving us the history and pictures of this gorgeous church. I love the stonework.
Beautiful old church and, like almost everything in Greece, a fascinating history! Your wonderful captures have brought back so many great memories!! Thank you! Hope you have a great new week, Indrani!! Enjoy!!
That church has a long and complicated history! It's quite beautiful.